This historical tavern in Toronto is closing after nearly 200 years
A historic downtown Toronto bar is closing its doors next week after nearly 200 years in business.
The Black Bull Tavern, located in the heart of downtown at 298 Queen Street West, has been serving pints to a range of patrons, from punk rockers to condo dwellers, since 1833.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
In a social media post Friday, the tavern shared how its impending closure signifies the end of an era.
“Queen West is changing and sadly, what was once one of the biggest, sunniest patios in Toronto is cast in the shadows of high rise buildings,” the post reads.
“After the owner Bobby Taylor passed, it was time for our family to say goodbye to the corner of Queen and Soho.”
Taylor, a former CFL player, bought The Black Bull in 1975 and ran it up until he died of cancer last year.
“We would like to thank The Black Bull staff for their dedication and commitment over the years. We are happy so many of you found your life partners at the bar. We know all of you have colourful memories to remember your time here,” the post continued.
The bar’s staff created memorabilia for nostalgic patrons looking to bring a piece of the historical venue home with them. There’s a cap, T-shirt and long-sleeved shirt featuring The Black Bull’s logo, ranging from $30 to $40 in price, with all of the proceeds going to the staff.
“I hope the Black Bull continues to be a bar for decades to come and future owners pay homage to the building’s history,” the post concluded.
The tavern has Heritage Property Designation, protecting it from demolition.
Torontonians can stop by the bar until April 3, when it officially shuts down for good.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air Canada walks back new seat selection policy change after backlash
Air Canada has paused a new seat selection fee for travellers booked on the lowest fares just days after implementing it.
Province boots mayor and council in small northern Ont. town out of office
An ongoing municipal strike, court battles and revolt by half of council has prompted the province to oust the mayor and council in Black River-Matheson.
3 law officers serving warrant are killed, 5 wounded in shootout at North Carolina home, police say
Three officers on a U.S. Marshals Task Force serving a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm were killed and five other officers were wounded in a shootout Monday at a North Carolina home, police said.
'Shocked and concerned': Calgary principal charged with possession of child pornography
A Calgary elementary school principal has been charged with possession of child pornography, authorities announced Monday.
Health authority confirms cockroaches at B.C. hospital, insists they 'do not bite'
The Vancouver Island Health Authority is downplaying what staff describe as a cockroach infestation in a medical unit of Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
Toronto police arrest 12 people, lay 102 charges in major credit card fraud scheme
Toronto police say 12 people are facing a combined 102 charges in connection with an investigation into a major credit fraud scheme.
Winner of US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot is an immigrant from Laos who has cancer
One of the winners of a historic US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot last month is an immigrant from Laos who has had cancer for eight years and had his latest chemotherapy treatment last week.
Britney and Jamie Spears settlement avoids long, potentially ugly and revealing trial
Britney Spears and her father Jamie Spears will avoid what could have been a long, ugly and revealing trial with a settlement of the lingering issues in the court conservatorship that controlled her life and financial decisions for nearly 14 years.
WATCH 'Double whammy': What happens if you don't file your taxes by the deadline
The clock is ticking ahead of the deadline to file a 2023 income tax return. A personal finance expert explains why you should get them done -- even if you owe more than you can pay.